In-Depth: Broome Sheriff Candidates on the Issues

Broome County Sheriff David Harder and his challenger, former Binghamton Mayor Matthew Ryan, have different views on how the office should be run in the next few years.

Harder joined the county sheriff's office in 1964. He was first elected sheriff in 1998. Although he's frequently talked about retiring, he says he still loves the job and looks forward to getting to work each morning.

Sheriff David Harder in the Binghamton Now studio on August 3, 2018. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Ryan served as Binghamton mayor from 2006 through 2013. He was unable run for reelection after eight years because of the city term-limit law. He said he wants to focus on social justice issues during the campaign.

Former Mayor Matthew Ryan in the Binghamton Now studio on July 26, 2018. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Harder is the Republican candidate. Jason Ellis, who worked for Harder in the sheriff's office, was unable to collect enough valid signatures to force a September primary for the party nomination.

Ryan is running as a candidate of the Working Families Party.

Broome Democrats were unsuccessful in their effort to find a candidate to run for sheriff in November.

Harder and Ryan recently discussed some of the issues facing the Broome County Sheriff's Office during separate appearances on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program.